A mother of four children including NASCAR on FOX analyst Kyle Petty, Lynda Petty was diagnosed with central nervous system lymphoma in 2010 and underwent treatments at Duke University Medical Center. Her death was announced Tuesday afternoon by Richard Petty Motorsports.

"We wish to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us and our family throughout the years and at this time," the family said in a statement released by RPM. "We will forever love and miss a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend."

"On behalf of the France Family and everyone at NASCAR, I want to offer sincere condolences to the Petty Family regarding the loss of their beloved matriarch, Lynda Petty," NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France said in a statement released Tuesday evening. "Through the years, Lynda became an integral part of the NASCAR landscape. We have lost a true friend, who will be missed each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the Pettys throughout this difficult time."

Ford Motor Company Board of Directors member Edsel B. Ford II added his condolences, as well.

"Our sympathies go out to Richard and the entire Petty family today on the passing of Lynda," he said in a statement. "She has stood by Richard's side throughout these many years, and she will be missed by many in the sport."

Ford Racing director Jamie Allison said: "From all the Ford fans around the world, our thoughts and prayers are with Richard, and all the Petty family today with this sad news. Lynda was a very important part of the Petty legacy in the sport. We know this is a difficult day for both the family, and all the team members at RPM, and our hearts go out to them."